Bicycle Wheel Pressure Sensing Assembly for Non-Invasive Tire Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for checking bicycle tire pressure require attaching a pump, which deflates the tire, necessitating pre-ride inflation, and lack a convenient, non-invasive means to quickly determine pressure.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensing assembly attached to the bicycle wheel, comprising a housing, pressure transmitting member, sensing chamber, and sensing element, which measures tire pressure without affecting it, using a printed circuit board with wireless communication and light-emitting capabilities to indicate pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pump is attached to check tire pressure, then pressure measurement is achieved, but the tire is deflated and requires pre-ride inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the measurement function from the inflation function. The pressure sensing assembly is a distinct component that can be attached independently to measure pressure without affecting tire volume, unlike traditional pumps that open the valve stem and release air.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure transmitting member (membrane or diaphragm) acts as an intermediary between the tire interior and the sensing element. This mediator transmits pressure information to the sensor without creating a direct opening that would allow air escape, enabling non-invasive measurement.
2Loss of information
If a pump is used to check pressure, then pressure data is obtained, but the process is time-consuming and requires pre-ride preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing assembly can be attached to the tire before riding, allowing pressure monitoring to be ready in advance. The device enables pressure checking to be performed quickly at any time without requiring pre-ride pump operation or preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pump-and-gauge system is replaced with an electronic sensing system that uses a pressure-sensitive element, circuit board, and visual indicator (such as LED lights). This substitution eliminates the need for manual pumping and provides immediate digital/visual readout of pressure levels.
3Reliability
If a pressure sensing assembly is attached to the tire bed, then non-invasive pressure measurement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing assembly concentrates the sensing function in a localized area within the tire bed, using a small pressure-sensitive element and associated electronics. This localized approach allows complex functionality to be contained in a compact form factor that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to quickly and easily determine tire pressure without deflating the tire, providing accurate and convenient pressure monitoring through visual and wireless communication, enhancing bicycle maintenance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure transmitting member is configured to transmit a pressure in the tire to the sensing element via the sensing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensing assembly configured to be attached to a bicycle wheel having a tire and a rim mounted to the tire. The pressure sensing assembly includes a housing, a pressure transmitting member, a sensing chamber defined by the housing and the pressure transmitting member, and a sensing element. The pressure transmitting member is coupled the housing and has a central portion offset from the plane in a first direction. The sensing element is offset from the plane in a second direction opposite the first direction. The pressure transmitting member is configured to transmit a pressure in the tire to the sensing element via the sensing chamber.